Laura Cox Releases "The Broken" Video

French modern rock artist Laura Cox unveils the new music video for "The Broken," one of the standout tracks from her current album Trouble Coming.

The song, a high-energy blend of pop-rock intensity and emotional depth, now receives a gripping visual interpretation that elevates its message even further.

Watch "The Broken" video Below.

What starts quietly soon erupts into a full emotional outburst, with Laura tearing the room apart in a moment of raw release. The chaos mirrors the song’s central themes: Addiction, mental pressure, and the fragile line between suppressing your emotions and finally letting them break through.

As the track unfolds, the music cuts through the apathy around her. Beer bottles crash, glasses shatter, and everyone in the room stands on the edge of breaking their own patterns.

"The Broken" is both a rallying cry and a mirror: Catchy, melodic, fiercely energetic, yet unafraid to confront the darker corners beneath the surface.

With this video, Laura Cox once again proves why she's one of Europe's most exciting modern rock voices: blending intensity, authenticity, and undeniable hooks into a story that hits hard and stays.

From high-octane guitar anthems to introspective slow-burners, Trouble Coming captures the spirit of a rock artist unafraid to evolve while staying true to her roots.

GET "TROUBLE COMING"

 ABOUT LAURA COX:
From viral YouTube guitarist to international festival headliner, Laura Cox has become one of Europe’s most compelling modern rock voices. With over 513K YouTube subscribers and 105 million plays across her videos, she has taken bedroom chops to main stages like Hellfest, Rockpalast and Pol'and'Rock. Her upcoming album Trouble Coming continues that journey - loud, honest and built for now.

VUKOVI Share Video For "Bladed"

Electrifying alt rock duo VUKOVI have dropped a stunning, volatile video for the track "BLADED," the final song from their critically acclaimed album MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN.

"BLADED" comes loaded with radiance and ruin, which is captured beautifully in the flawless video by Zak Pinchin.

VUKOVI's Janine Shilstone comments: "Closing the chapter of MGHGAG with my favorite track off the album. The video is monochromatic and enchanting with the undertones of destruction and mental illness. Beauty and poise doesn’t portray what truly lies beneath."

Watch the video for "BLADED" below.

Listen to "BLADED" here.

Catch VUKOVI live on their 2026 UK tour dates. Tickets are on-sale now HERE.

Purchase and stream MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN here.

ABOUT VUKOVI:
VUKOVI (from North Ayrshire, Scotland) are a dynamic two-piece alt-rock outfit fronted by vocalist Janine Shilstone and guitarist Hamish Reilly. Their sound combines blistering riffs and melodic vocals with elements of heavy-rock, noise-pop, and nu-metal, suitable for fans of Bring Me The Horizon, PVRIS, Don Broco and Royal Blood.

Following the critical success of their 2017 debut VUKOVI and the electrifying follow-up Fall Better (2020), VUKOVI truly ascended to stratospheric new heights with their third album, NULA (2022). While ‘La Di Da’, drawn from their debut, remains a perennial fan favourite, tracks such as ‘Lasso’, ‘Hades’ and the anthemic ‘I Exist’ continue to command chaos from fans in live settings across the globe.

VUKOVI released their latest album MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN via Sharptone Records in 2025, recorded and co-produced by legendary Machine at The Machine Shop Studio in Texas. The album garnered praise from BBC Radio 1, Kerrang!, Rock Sound and Metal Hammer for its cathartic yet exorcistic expression of themes surrounding mental health, religion and female empowerment. The album channels raw emotions through a refined, ferocious delivery, taking influence from titans such as Rage Against The Machine and Deftones.

Having toured with the likes of Babymetal, Enter Shikari, PVRIS, Nothing More and One Ok Rock, VUKOVI continue to build their audiences worldwide. The band have a reputation for their explosive live performances, with Janine famously able to command a crowd with such intensity where pits ignite at a single gesture. Their recent Main Stage performance at 2000 Trees Festival (UK) marked a pivotal moment, firmly cementing their status as future headliners.

VUKOVI boast an enviable history of appearances at major international festivals including Welcome To Rockville (USA), Sonic Temple (USA), Download Festival (UK), Graspop (BE), Resurrection (ES), Rock For People (CZ), Jera On Air (NL), Reload (DE) any many more.

VUKOVI ARE:
Janine Shilstone — Vocals
Hamish Reilly — Guitars

Mayhem Drop Video for "Despair"

The most influential black metal band in history returns with their seventh studio album, Liturgy of Death.

With this new chapter, Mayhem once again cement their reputation as one of the most relentless forces in extreme metal. Nearly 40 years into its career, the band turns its gaze toward the unavoidable truth of mortality. Liturgy of Death explores the philosophy of mortality with stark, uncompromising clarity. The album presents death not as an ending, but as a universal law that touches all life and exposes the fragility of human existence. This impermanence becomes a call to live with full intensity, for every gain and loss ultimately falls back into the same silence. Echoing ancient philosophies, the album portrays life as a transitional state and death as a gateway to a higher form of being, while the solemn, dark beauty of death permeates the entire work.

Stream "Despair" here. 

Watch the video here. 

"Despair" captures this vision in its most visceral form. The track unravels the collapse of being through ritualistic chants, Latin invocations, and blistering blast beats that echo like the pulse of annihilation. Attila’s vocals summon an ancient, fatal truth: the fading of light, the inevitability of death, and the recognition of human fragility. "Despair" stands as the album’s stark revelation — the moment where death is not feared but understood.

Pre-order Liturgy of Death here. 

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AS:
• Ltd. Deluxe Box Set incl. an exclusive 12" Clear-Black Marbled Vinyl with alternate artwork, bonus 7" Marbled Vinyl with 2 extra tracks, metal pin, patch, art prints, and the special tarot card "Liturgy of Death" (Clear-Black Marbled Edition and Transp. Red-Black Marbled BAND EDITION)
• Ltd. Gatefold Black Vinyl (180g) & 12 pages LP-Booklet
• Ltd. Gatefold Transp. Orange-Black Marbled Vinyl (180g) & 12 pages LP-Booklet
• Ltd. Gatefold Splatter Black-Apricot Vinyl (180g) & 12 pages LP-Booklet
• Ltd. Gatefold Haze Bright Gold-Black Vinyl (180g) & 12 pages LP-Booklet
• Ltd. Gatefold A/B Split Red-Black Vinyl (180g) & 12 pages LP-Booklet (BAND EDITION)
• Ltd. Gatefold Black Ice Ghost Vinyl (180g) & 12 pages LP-Booklet (US EDITION)
• Ltd. Gatefold Cooper Black Ice Vinyl (180g) & 12 pages LP-Booklet (US EDITION)
• Ltd. CD Mediabook in Slipcase (with bonus track and additional artwork)
• Standard CD Jewelcase
• Digital album

With Necrobutcher, Hellhammer, Attila, Morten, and Ghul locked into a unit tighter than ever, Liturgy of Death celebrates Mayhem's own legacy, a continuation of the raw and uncompromising sound that defined their beginnings. The result is a merciless record — dark, fast, and unrelenting — that captures the band in their most dangerous and vital form. 41 years since their formation in Langhus, Mayhem remain a defining force in Norwegian black metal, continuing to shape the sound they helped create.

MAYHEM LINEUP:
Attila Csihar — Vocals
Ghul — Guitar
Hellhammer — Drums
Necrobutcher — Bass
Morten — Guitar

The Amity Affliction + August Burns Red Announce Co-Headline Tour for Spring 2026

AUGUST BURNS RED + THE AMITY AFFLICTION will hit the road this coming spring for the Spring Horizons Tour. It kicks off April 10 in Worcester and runs through May 17 in Philadelphia. BOUNDARIES and HEAVENSGATE will serve as support.

"We've been talking in the background about touring with August Burns Red for years at this point," says Amity's Joel Birch. "It's so awesome that it's finally happening. We can't wait to get back to our second home and bring what we feel will be one of the best tours we've been a part of to all the cities we're hitting. The lineup is amazing, the venues are amazing, and we couldn't be more hyped for it — see you there."

"We're pumped to be joining forces with The Amity Affliction for what's sure to be the can’t miss metal tour of the spring," says August Burns Red. "ABR will be debuting a few brand new songs and bringing the shred alongside Boundaries, Heavensgate, and Dreamwake. We'll see you all this April and May for the Spring Horizons Tour!" 

Pre-sale and VIP packages are available at this location. VIP packages will include meet and greet, signed screen printed poster, a photo with the band, early merch access (when venues allow), and a collectible tour laminate.

General tickets go on sale on Friday, December 5 at 10am local time. All dates are below, including an appearance at Sonic Temple.

AUGUST BURNS RED + THE AMITY AFFLICTION ON TOUR:
WITH BOUNDARIES + HEAVENSGATE:
4/10 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium*
4/11 — New Haven, CT — College Street Music Hall*
4/12 — Pittsburgh, PA — Stage AE
4/14 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore
4/15 — Atlanta, GA — Tabernacle
4/16 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues
4/18 — New Orleans, LA — The Fillmore
4/19 — Dallas, TX — The Bomb Factory
4/21 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
4/22 — San Antonio, TX — Vibes Event Center (Outdoors)
4/24 — Phoenix, AZ — The Marquee
4/25 — San Diego, CA — Soma
4/26 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues
4/28 — Sacramento, CA — Channel 24
4/29 — Garden City, ID — Revolution Concert House
5/1 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Union Event Center
5/2 — Denver, CO — The Fillmore
5/3 — Omaha, NE — The Astro Theater
5/5 — Minneapolis, MN — The Fillmore
5/6 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
5/8 — Chicago, IL — Riviera Theatre
5/9 — Royal Oak, MI — Royal Oak Music Theatre
5/10 — Toronto, ON — History
5/12 — Montreal, QC — Mtelus
5/13 — Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Paramount
5/15 — Baltimore, MD — Nevermore Hall
5/16 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple**
5/17 — Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore
*With Dreamwake, No Heavensgate
**Festival Date (ABR + TAA Only)

Introducing Brian Burkheiser's Scatterbrain — WATCH + LISTEN

"To my fans:

This year forced me to pivot in ways I never expected, and it tested me more than I can explain. But through it all, your support has meant everything.

I'm excited to finally share a song with you. I chose this cover because it truly resonates with me and serves as a nod to what first sparked my career.

I'm still working toward the day I can release my original music, but for now, I'm grateful to have found a way to put a piece of art into the world."

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: New Release from Blacktoothed

German heavy-hitters blacktoothed return with their explosive new single "EMBERS," a track that pushes the band into their most intense territory yet. Fueled by searing guitars, pounding rhythms, and a vocal performance that unleashes a whole new level of power and grit, "EMBERS" hits harder than anything they've released before.
 

The song dives deep into themes of collapse, rebirth, and the sparks that survive even the darkest moments. From its brooding atmosphere to its relentless climax, "EMBERS" captures a raw emotional urgency that feels bigger, darker, and more unrestrained than the band's recent work.
 

With a sharpened edge and a renewed fire, blacktoothed show just how far they're willing to push themselves creatively.

Turn the volume all the way up — "EMBERS" is out now and marks a fierce new chapter for the band.

Watch the "EMBERS" music video Below.

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: New Release from Lionheart

California's metallic hardcore titans Lionheart are back and hitting harder than ever with their brand-new single "Bulletproof" — a ferocious statement track that marks the beginning of the next chapter for the band. Groove-heavy, razor-sharp, and fueled by the Oakland outfit's trademark intensity, "Bulletproof" captures everything that has made Lionheart one of the most dominant forces in modern hardcore: Pure aggression, anthemic gang-shouts, and a swagger that could only come from the West Coast.
 

The release of "Bulletproof" also kicks off the official pre-orders for Lionheart's new album Valley of Death II, set for release on January 9 via Arising Empire.

Serving as the sequel to their 2019 record Valley of Death, the new album promises to be heavier, darker, and even more unrelenting.

Now, after officially re-signing with Arising Empire, Lionheart are charging into their next era with renewed force. Their return to Europe in January 2026 for a massive headline tour — joined by Madball, Gideon, and Slope — will showcase exactly why this new chapter with Arising Empire marks a decisive and powerful step forward.

Catch the band live in Europe.

Watch the "Bulletproof" music video Below.

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: New Release from Annisokay

German metalcore heavyweights ANNISOKAY have unleashed their long-awaited new album Abyss — The Final Chapter, marking the monumental conclusion to their acclaimed Abyss era. Out now via Arising Empire, the record stands as one of the band's most ambitious, cinematic, and emotionally charged releases to date.
 

Abyss — The Final Chapter pushes ANNISOKAY's signature blend of crushing heaviness, towering choruses, and electronic darkness to new extremes. Frontman Rudi Schwarzer delivers some of his most ferocious vocal work yet, while Chris Wieczorek (aka Chrissy) elevates the album with soaring, atmospheric cleans and massive melodic hooks. The band's trademark contrast between brutality and beauty has never felt more refined or more explosive.
 

Building upon the success of Abyss Part I & II, this final installment ties together the themes of isolation, inner conflict, and resilience that have defined the trilogy—offering fans a powerful, cathartic finale. The production hits with surgical precision, the breakdowns are heavier than ever, and the band's sense of scale feels downright cinematic.
 

With their fanbase growing globally and their sound evolving into a new creative peak, ANNISOKAY once again prove why they're one of the most important and innovative forces in modern metalcore.
 

Abyss — The Final Chapter is out now on all digital platforms, with physical editions available via Arising Empire. Step into the abyss one last time.

Catch the band live — more info here.

Upon Wings Drop Metalcore Single "Velvet Shadow" + Holiday Song

Upon Wings' new single, "Velvet Shadow," is ethereal, dark, dreamy, and totally irresistible. From the very first beat, it grabs you — dark, intense, and heartbreakingly beautiful — and doesn't let go. This isn’t just a song; it's a gothic metalcore anthem that flirts with your emotions while slamming you with crushing guitar riffs and industrial punches. And those angelic vocals from Anne Autumn Erickson? They wrap around your heart and whisper straight into your soul.

Upon Wings' latest song "Velvet Shadow" fits right next to bands such as Bad Omens and Falling in Reverse, but it's a sound all their own.

ABOUT UPON WINGS "VELVET SHADOW"
"Velvet Shadow" is all about juxtaposition — soft and sweet, hard and heavy, tender and terrifying. There's metalcore fury, industrial grit, and even a touch of techno that sneaks in. It's playful, it's dramatic, it's intoxicating — and you might just find yourself hitting replay because you need more. The industrial edge gives it bite, the subtle techno adds rhythm, and the layering keeps you discovering little surprises every listen.

At its core, "Velvet Shadow" is unapologetically emotional, wildly beautiful, and simply angelic. Gothic yet soaring, aggressive yet tender, heavy yet flirtatious — Upon Wings have crafted a track that pulls at your heart while slamming your soul with power. It's a song to get lost in, to feel everything at once, and maybe even to fall a little in love with.

"Velvet Shadow" isn't just music. It's a tender confession that's going to linger in your head long after the last note fades.

As 2025 wraps up, Upon Wings' music has been making waves online. Their 2022 single "Last Love" has garnered more than 27,000 streams on Spotify, and their 2023 follow-up "Distant Memory" is at more than 12,000 Spotify streams. Both of those songs feature guitars from Kevin Jardine and pummeling rhythms from Kyng drummer Pepe Clarke Magaña, while "Distant Memory" also features a shredding guitar solo from Lita Ford guitarist Patrick Kennison. The band's debut single, "Afterlife," featuring Brett Hestla of Creed and Dark New Day, sits at more than 18,000 Spotify streams.

Listen to "Velvet Shadow" on all platforms. 

Find Upon Wings on Spotify and Apple Music.

Anne of Upon Wings also has a solo project, and with it, she just released a brand new, original Christmas single, called "Snow Is Falling."

"Snow Is Falling" is the ultimate Christmas song. It's pure cozy magic wrapped in a pop-trap beat you can't resist. It's heartfelt, fun, and festive, a pop Christmas song with trap energy that feels like sipping hot cocoa by the fire. It's everything wonderful about the holidays wrapped into one little song.

"Snow Is Falling" offers a sparkling, heartwarming pop track with a holiday trap beat that glistens with bells and sparkling beats. It's fun, sweet, and irresistible, mixing modern, angelic vocals with rhythms that pulse and sparkle like freshly fallen snow.

The vocals are the heart of the song. Anne's sweet, whispery, emotive voice carries the lyrics, and it truly feels like a new classic. "Snow Is Falling" simply captures the magic of the season. It's the ultimate modern Christmas song, offering something angelic, playful, and sparkling with energy. That makes it impossible not to fall in love with — just like the first snow of the season.

Stream and download "Snow is Falling" on all platforms.

Find Anne's solo music on Spotify and Apple Music.

VRSTY to Celebrate 5-Year Anniversary of "Cloud City" EP With New Acoustic EP + Band Shares "Shameless (Acoustic)"

Genre-blending and bending New York City-based collective VRSTY (pronounced "Varsity") are celebrating the five-year anniversary of their Cloud City EP with a twist.

The band will drop the four-song Cloud City (Archives) EP on December 12. It features acoustic renditions of three of the EP's original tracks ("Dig," "Pathos," and "Shameless"), giving these classic songs a fresh, reimagined flavor. 
 

The new EP also features an acoustic version of "YOU & I." While this song was does not appear on the original Cloud City EP that dropped via Spinefarm in 2020, it was written during that period of the band's history and is, well, from the VRSTY archive.

Pre-order the Cloud City (Archives) EP here.

Today, the band has shared "Shameless" (Acoustic). Listen Below. 

"I've always loved the kinda 'heavy softness that 'Shameless' had and always thought it would be cool to explore that more," says singer Joey Tyler. "I think I went into it with that mentality at first but then also just wanted to do this as a thank you for everyone who has supported 'Shameless' and Cloud City for so many years. After all, that song was the very FIRST time anyone ever listened to us and gave us a chance."

VRSTY will hit the road, supporting Fire From the Gods this coming winter. All dates are below.

VRSTY ON TOUR:
1/22 — Austin, TX — Come and Take It Live
1/23 — Haltom City, TX — Haltom Theater
1/24 — Oklahoma City, OK — 89th Street
1/25 — Tulsa, OK — The Shrine
1/28 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade (Purgatory)
1/29 — Winter Park, FL — Conduit
1/30 — Jacksonville, FL — Jack Rabbits
1/31 — Columbia, SC — New Brookland Tavern
2/01 — Richmond, VA — Canal Club (Downstairs)
2/03 — Philadelphia, PA — The Foundry at The Fillmore
2/04 — Clifton, NJ — Dingbatz
2/05 — Brooklyn, NY — The Meadows
2/06 — Lowell, MA — Taffeta Music Hall
2/07 — Syracuse, NY — The Song & Dance
2/10 — Pittsburgh, PA — Crafthouse
2/11 — Columbus, OH — King of Clubs
2/12 — Cadillac, MI — Venue Event Center
2/13 — West Chicago, IL — WC Social Club
2/14 — Madison, WI — The Annex
2/15 — Minneapolis, MN — Underground Music Venue
2/17 — Denver, CO — HQ
2/19 — Los Angeles, CA — The Whisky A Go-Go
2/20 — Anaheim, CA — The Parish at House of Blues
2/21 — Las Vegas, NV — The Wall at Area 15

Long Distance Calling Share "Hazard" Video From Upcoming Live Album "Live at Lichtburg"

With "Hazard," LONG DISTANCE CALLING release the third single from their upcoming live album Live At Lichtburg, set for release on December 5. Originally featured on the band's acclaimed 2020 album How Do We Want To Live?, the track is one of their most atmospheric and emotionally gripping compositions. It now returns in a powerful live rendition, recorded during the sold-out February 2024 show at the Lichtburg in Essen — a historic cinema where more than 1,200 fans shared an unforgettable evening with the band.

Following the singles "Kamilah" and "Out There," "Hazard" once again highlights the unique energy of this performance: intense, tension-filled, and driven by the distinctive textures that define the song. In its live version, the track gains additional organic force — a blend of precise musicianship, pulsating grooves, and the unmistakable cinematic sound LONG DISTANCE CALLING are known for.

The accompanying live video captures the special atmosphere of the night: the monumental stage of the Lichtburg, the close connection between band and audience, and the dynamic presence of a song that feels even more immersive live than on the studio recording.

Watch the "Hazard" video below.

Listen to "Hazard" here. 

Live At Lichtburg not only documents the biggest headline concert in LONG DISTANCE CALLING’s career so far, but also marks a new artistic chapter. With reimagined arrangements, orchestral textures, and a commanding live presence, the album captures why the band remains one of Europe’s most compelling forces in progressive and instrumental rock.

The album will be released via earMUSIC on December 5th, 2025, in multiple formats: 2LP Gatefold Heavyweight 180g + Blu-ray and CD + Blu-ray Digipak, combining the full audio and visual experience of this unforgettable night.

PRE-ORDER THE NEW ALBUM HERE.

Volumes Share Video for "Bad Habit" Ahead of "Mirror Touch" Release

15 years into their career, Volumes have weathered ups, downs, time, trends, and everything else life could throw at them only to come out stronger on the other side. Against all odds, a devout audience has ridden shotgun and grown with them every step of the way, waiting for this moment.

The Los Angeles quartet — Michael Barr [vocals], Raad Soudani [bass], Myke Terry [vocals], and Nick Ursich [drums] —recently announced their fifth album, titled Mirror Touch. It will be released digitally on December 12 via longtime label Fearless Records. The physical album will arrive on February 27 of next year. Pre-order it here. 

Volumes have shared the video for "Bad Habit."

Watch it Below.

Here, Volumes ake a stunning sonic left turn. While the track has the guitar girth and grit that is familiar to loyal Volumes fans, the band leans into its melodic sensibilities and synths, trading its usual heavy dose of screams for fully clean verses and choruses. The result is a gorgeous and unexpected alt metal song that will turn heads  — both new and old.

"'Bad Habit' is a song about identifying that habits that are deemed bad for you or unhealthy are sometimes the only thing getting you through life," shares Barr. "Is there a balance that can be achieved? Typically, no."

Through a decade-and-a-half, Volumes' quiet impact has been felt, with over 167 million streams in the U.S. alone, widespread acclaim, and sold-out shows. They've carved out their own corner of heavy music with an inimitable hybrid of head-crushing polyrhythmic prog-spiked metal, hardcore spirit, and unbridled attitude. They have assuredly leveled up over the course of albums such as Via [2011], No Sleep [2014], Different Animals [2017], and Happier? [2021]. KERRANG! hailed the latter as "an album that gives a nod to the band's past while still bringing in new ideas." Meanwhile, the group shared stages on tour with everyone from Ice Nine Kills and Born of Osiris to Dance Gavin Dance and Counterparts. The Los Angeles group continues to fortify a full-on sensory assault with thick riffing, chilling soundscapes, and the venomous bite of its incomparable two-headed vocal hydra.

RUNE Drops "Depth Perception" EP + Shares "Erode" Video

RUNE — formerly known as WHOISRUNE — is a dynamic and talented multi-genre music artist based in Toronto. Her musical journey began at a young age while heavily influenced by early 2000s pop and '90s Trance/EDM. In her early teens, RUNE started making songs to release on YouTube under a different name as a passion project. Determined to pursue her dreams, she officially launched WHOISRUNE in 2019 with her debut track "Adrenaline."

Since then, she has made significant strides in her career with the successful release of an EP and 14 singles — which have accumulated over 8 million total streams!

She drops the DEPTH PERCEPTION EP via new label UNFD.

Listen here. 

RUNE also shared the video for "Erode."

Watch it Below.

"'Erode' is a dialogue about struggling with your negative inner voice," RUNE explains. "I wanted to describe it almost as a separate entity from yourself, because I feel like when you are struggling with your inner voice, it always feels like an uphill battle. The chorus lyrics 'Take away all the pieces now, It takes a sacrifice, to let it all unfold' describes the way you may feel like you have to give all of your energy to get through, but sometimes things take a sacrifice in order to get better. This means a lot to me in my personal journey of choosing to be a musician, because it's not a straightforward path and we are often our own harshest critics."

She continues, "In the end of the song, I included my first language Hungarian. It's tucked away behind vocal layering, but the lyrics are a back-and-forth of storytelling between the English and Hungarian, which I thought was a cool juxtaposition. When I say 'Your body will fall away' in Hungarian, I am saying (general translation) 'Your heart, your soul, you've left it behind, now it searches for you.' I love the juxtaposition of the softness of my vocals, and the harshness of Mike Parsram on this track. It really feels like you are being tormented by your sleep paralysis demon, or something of the sort."

Regarding the EP, RUNE says, "This release has a little bit of everything, but the final track, 'Depth Perception,' is one that really sums up the whole journey which is why I decided to name the record after it. This EP contains so many different emotions and experiences. A lot of it is written about grief and trying to make the world around you make sense again. But it's also a record about struggling with your inner voice, and other experiences that shape you for who you are. At the end of it all, the world around you is shaped by the way you view it."

RUNE finishes, "Ultimately, these songs are all special to me for one reason or another but I hope those who listen can relate to the songs and the lyrics in their own way, through their own depth perception."

"This Angry Pen of Mine: Recovering the Journals of Layne Staley" Is a New York Times Best-Seller

THIS ANGRY PEN OF MINE: RECOVERING THE JOURNALS OF LAYNE STALEY —an unprecedented look into the creative archive of Alice in Chains vocalist Layne Staley, created in direct collaboration with his family — has debuted as a New York Times Nonfiction Bestseller in its first week.
 
This Angry Pen of Mine (Weldon Owen; November 11, 2025) published by Weldon Owen in partnership with Primary Wave Music, offers the first ever look into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice fronting Alicein Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more.

Discover his striking original artwork, where every line tells its own story, and explore rare, candid photos that capture both the highs and lows of his journey. Experience the love and admiration of the fans whose lives he touched, beautifully expressed through evocative fan art that honors his legacy. 

"I hope this book gives you a glimpse of the son I knew, the one beyond the headlines, the one with a beautiful, creative, happy soul," Nancy McCallum, Layne's mother, writes in the foreword to this book. 
 
"Layne’' songwriting has left an unmistakable imprint on the music world, and its significance only grows with time. We're honored to showcase his talents as a writer and to help ensure his legacy continues to shine," says James Janocha, Primary Wave Music

Through Layne's scribblings and heartfelt musings are a window into the emotional depths of a man who gave so much of himself to his art and his fans, even as he struggled with his own battles. For fans, new and old, this is an opportunity to connect with Layne's artistry and humanity in a way that's never been possible before. His story, told through his own words, creations, and the lives he forever changed, is a testament to the enduring power of music, art, and the human spirit. 
 
Proceeds from sales of This Angry Pen of Mine will benefit the Layne Staley Memorial Fund, a charitable fund dedicated to providing hope, education, support, and treatment funds for heroin addiction recovery, managed @THS, Seattle, WA.
 
This Angry Pen of Mine is available now, wherever books are sold. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
LAYNE STALEY (1968–2002) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist of the influential grunge band Alice in Chains. Staley's powerful voice and raw emotional delivery made him a defining figure of the 1990s grunge movement. Despite his success, he struggled with addiction, which deeply impacted his life and career. Staley's legacy endures through his music, which continues to resonate with fans around the world. More information on Layne’s legacy and the work of the Layne Staley Memorial Fund can be found here.  
 
ABOUT WELDON OWEN:
Founded in 1984, Weldon Owen International is a high-quality, nonfiction book publisher specializing in producing innovative, richly illustrated lifestyle books in the categories of food and drink, sports and fitness, popular science, craft and design, and popular culture for the global market. Weldon Owen International illustrates great ideas and breaks down complex skills so anyone can learn them while being entertained and inspired along the way. Weldon Owen is a division of Insight Editions. For more information and inspiration, visit, weldonowen.com. 

DONT YOU DARE Drop "S.O.S" Video

Born from the raw concrete of Sacramento, California, DONT YOU DARE (styled without the apostrophe) are a modern rock duo fusing the intensity of nu-metal and metalcore with raw, unfiltered emotion.

Vocalist Noah Duarte, a poet-turned-frontman, joined forces with guitarist Matt English to create a sound that's both therapeutic and confrontational and the foundation of what would become DONT YOU DARE.

DYD share their debut single "S.O.S" via The Artery Foundation. 

The song is an unfiltered outcry against disconnection — a lifeline for anyone who[s ever felt unheard, ignored, or invisible. It's a heavy, unrelenting statement about reaching your breaking point, reclaiming your voice, and refusing to stay silent.

Watch the hyperkinetic video below.

"'S.O.S' is us expelling the pressure and pain and putting that release on full unapologetic display," offers English. "We ran with the adrenaline of fear, doubt, and honesty, even when it scared us. It's not about fixing each other; it's about giving us a place to exist."

Indeed, the song is a reminder that broken is just as beautiful.

The Artery Foundation is a familiar name to hard rock fans. In 2025, the brand has rebooted and is a full service company. It's a label, artist management and producer management firm, among other things. During its 2010s heyday, the brand helped author the burgeoning metalcore scene, having been responsible for singing and breaking genre titans.

From the sweaty chaos of basements and VFW halls to the world's biggest festivals, Artery has helped guide talent from local notoriety to global recognition. The list of heavy music cornerstone acts that started with Artery speaks for itself" A Day To Remember, Motionless In White, Dance Gavin Dance, Beartooth, Sleeping With Sirens, The Amity Affliction, Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada, Our Last Night, Memphis May Fire, Fit For A King, The Plot In You, Attila, Attack Attack!, and more. 

In 2010, the company launched Artery Recordings, a label imprint that gave rise to breakout acts like Chelsea Grin and Kublai Khan TX. As Artery continued to expand, founder Eric Rushing concurrently deepened his influence on Sacramento's music and nightlife culture. His handiwork is evident in various live venues, restaurants, and bars.

Expect lots more from both Artery and DONT YOU DARE in 2026.

Bullet Release "Keep Rolling" Video

Swedish powerhouse Bullet have released the video for their new single "Keep Rolling" . The song is featured on their upcoming studio album Kickstarter.

 "There was this song idea for the album that had that steady, ongoing, slow and heavy beat to it," the band shares about the song. "It kinda reminded us of 'Rolling Home' that we wrote many years ago, yet with a dark and stormy gloom to it. So, what better choice than to make it the 'Rolling Home 2.0' and make the lyrics tell the story of how the Bullet-bus went from being a wreck at the side of the road into a metal monster with a new engine pounding stronger than ever. The song has a special place in all of us and was one of the most challenging to record. It's a natural second single!"

Watch the "Keep Rolling" video below. 

Kickstarter will be released on January 9 through Steamhammer as CD digipak (incl. poster), LP gatefold version, and digital, and can be pre-ordered here.

Kickstarter will be released on January 9 through Steamhammer as CD digipak (incl. poster), LP gatefold version, and digital, and can be pre-ordered here.

More info about Bullet's upcoming live shows here.

Capsize Return! Band Drops New Single "The Fracture"

Capsize return with "The Fracture," their first release since signing to Roux & Ruin Records.

Listen below.

The song, produced by Matt Good (From First To Last, Asking Alexandria), twists melody and misery into one — a dark anthem that reminds everyone why people can't seem to look away.

"This song is about taking responsibility for everything in my life, even the things that are out of my control," shares Daniel Wand. "I've found holding myself accountable is the only way I've been able to make sense of the aftermath when things fall apart in any category of life. It's about feeling empty from it, and still trying to find some kind of light at the end of the tunnel by being candid about internal struggle. More than anything, I hope it connects with people who can find it relatable, who stuck in their own self-destructive cycles and helps them feel less alone in what they're going through and maybe taking on a similar route to process what they're are going through."

After several years of sporadic single drops, Capsize fans can look forward to a new physical release, on deck for 2026, with more details to be revealed shortly. The next release will be the band's first since A Reintroduction: The Essence Of All That Surrounds Me, which arrived in 2016 via Equal Vision Records.

For now, fans can revel in the melodic maelstrom of "The Fracture."

Nailed Shut MA Drop "Broken & Curled" Video

NAILED SHUT MA consistently bring raw energy and thoughtful disorder to each and every performance, delivering a sonic force that pushes New England's hardcore/deathcore scene to the next level. Forming in 2022, the Boston five-piece — Asher Thomas (vocals), Joel Arnall (guitar/BGV), Mason Roth (guitar/BGV), Owen Chepow (bass), and Jake Thompson (drums) — has dropped the video for the noisy and gnarly new single "Broken & Curled."

Watch the Ian Urquhart-directed video below.

"The lyrics depict being lowered into the earth, post-death, after giving into one's internal struggles," the band explains about the thoroughly manic track. "The video spotlights this internal struggle and the loss of one's self."

"Broken & Curled" follows the equally energetic track "Devoured," which arrived earlier this year. Watch the video here.

Both songs were produced by Charlie Burket. 

With punishing unconventional vocals, Asher creates depictions of bodily and psychological horror through lyricism centered around mental health awareness. The rest of the band reflects these themes musically through brutal riffs, tight drum grooves, and a gut-wrenching low end. In 2023, the band released its debut EP Lust in the End, which Idioteq described as "a surreal journey…delving into the darkest corners of the human experience."

Nailed Shut MA have performed in many iconic venues across the northeast as well as 2024's Inkcarceration Festival. Bands they have shared the stage with include All Shall Perish, Peeling Flesh, Power Trip, Kaonashi, End It, Gatecreeper and many more. Their energetic performances are sure to knock the wind out of you. With much more new music and many more shows planned for the coming months, Nailed Shut MA are here to wreak havoc into 2026 and beyond. But for now, fans of extreme metal can feast on "Broken & Curled" and "Devoured."

British Metalcore Act Shields Share New Single "Parasites"

British metalcore band Shields have released their new single "Parasites."

The song is taken from their upcoming studio album Death & Connection, to be released on January 30 via Long Branch Records. 

Stream "Parasites" and pre-order the album here. 

"'Parasites' is about the experience of sinking into depression and the warped internal relationship that develops within that state," comments singer Joe Edwards. "Originally a rock song from a previous project, 'Parasites' was repurposed for our album. As the original track already had dark undertones, it was easy to re-frame it in moody industrial arrangements, allowing for a wide range of dynamic shifts between sections."

The band shares, "Our new album Death & Connection is a body of work born from the absence of the people who no longer hold space in our lives. This record was created from a necessity to express and soothe our deepest losses; however, that was never the intention — we simply set out to make an album we wanted to hear."

Founded in 2012 by primary songwriters Joe Edwards (vocals) and Samuel Kubrick Finney (guitar/vocals), Shields quickly made an impact in the heavy music scene with their viral single "I Just Feel Hate" — a track they re-released in a newly reimagined version in April 2025. Their EP GUILT cemented their refined sound, blending brutal instrumentation with poignant, emotionally driven lyrics. With this release, they demonstrated an aggressive adaptability to the ever-evolving alternative music landscape, winning over fans from across adjacent genres. The momentum of their powerful breakthrough led to tour cycles alongside acts such as Loathe, Ice Nine Kills, and Escape the Fate.

Shields' debut full-length album Life in Exile (2018) received critical acclaim for its raw honesty and musical maturity. However, the album cycle was tragically cut short by the sudden passing of guitarist George Christie — an event that ultimately led to the band's untimely and abrupt disbandment.

Their return marks a bold decision, given the tragic circumstances surrounding their 2018 split. Yet, Shields re-emerge with powerful new tracks, inviting audiences to witness the next evolution of their sound - matured, refined, and fearless. This new chapter is supported by a fortified lineup, featuring founding members Edwards andl Kubrick Finney, now joined by Alastair Wain (drums) and Krishan Pujara (bass).

If Shields' discography is any indication of what lies ahead, audiences can expect a torrent of unrelentingly bold strides into new sonic territories.

SHIELDS ARE:
Joe Edwards — Vocals
Samuel Kubrick Finney — Guitar + Vocals
Alastair Wain — Drums
Krishan Pujara — Bass

Second Harbour Drop "Mourning Dove" Video

Canadian emo-rock trio SECOND HARBOUR — comprised of brothers Xavierand Vincent Morency, along with John Muggianu — recently announced their signing to SharpTone Records and will release the Coalesce EP on December 12. Pre-order it here. 

Second Harbour today share the video for angular and unforgettable new single "Mourning Dove."

Watch it below. 

In true DIY fashion, the video was shot and edited by the band and it features the members knuckling down on their instruments while playing in an abandoned house.

As for the song, the subject matter goes for the jugular.

“The lyrics to 'Mourning Dove' are hands down the most painful I've ever written," offers Xavier. "They're made to spear you in the stomach, and unapologetically so. Coincidentally, they're also my favorite lyrics of ours. I spent a lot of time making sure they could be read differently than they were heard, and I couldn't be more proud of the song we built around them.”